Friday, December 21, 2012

As the Newtown tragedy rests heavy on our hearts this Christmas season,

the U.S. Postal Service has set up a special address for individuals to send condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

“We understand that there is an outpouring of support for everyone in
the Newtown area, and we hope to make it easier for those who wish to
send encouragement and messages of compassion to those affected,” said
Kimberly J. Peters, Connecticut Valley District Manager for the U.S.
Postal Service. “Through letters and cards, families will be able to
hold that friendship in their hands and to read those kind words at a
time and place that supports their pace of healing.”

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Though the weather resembles nothing near the sweet days of summer, you can enjoy sunshine in a glass any day of the year.

If you don't already juice, here's a few reasons why you might consider doing so:

1) Fresh juice provides vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, proteins, immunity building and more
2) Regular juicers rave about an increase in energy, clearer skin, and a clearer mind
3) It's an easy way to consume your USDA recommended 2-4 servings of fruit and vegetables each day

Interested in adding juicing to your diet? Here's a great 30 days of juicing list, and a green detox recipe that will be perfect for after the holidays and to start the New Year off right.

Once warmer days do roll around, I'm definitely going to pay a visit to Portland's very own juice cart, "Sip," who made it onto Food & Wine's list of best juice bars. They're now closed for the winter, but their steamed "Flu Slayer": apple, lemon, ginger and garlic would have been a great pick for the entire family during these last couple of weeks.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

As we honor troops this week and reflect on the many who have served our country throughout history, true sacrifice and thankfulness is what comes to mind. Not only do soldiers sacrifice the comforts of home and security of family while they are deployed, emotional and physical health are battles that continue to ensue, often long after a soldier's return. New research has shown a startling link between back pain and PTSD in soldiers who've been to war.

PSTD and back pain

One specific study conducted by Department of Orthopaedics of the University of Utah, researched psychological distress and what relationship it has among spine patients at a VA hospital. In this study of 149 individuals being treated for spine-related injuries in conjunction with the Distress and Risk Assessment Method (DRAM), 79.9% of patients were identified to have "some degree of psychological distress," while 20.1% were classified as normal. Of those patients identified to have some degree of distress, 43.6% had levels of distress that were considered severe. It was concluded that those with high levels of distress had greater levels of neck and back pain, used more narcotics for pain and antidepressants, and without surprise had a history with combat, more than those who did not have high levels of distress.

Dr. Eugene Carragee, a former Army reservist and orthopedic surgeon explained the harsh relationship between PTSD and pain, saying,

“Those who have psychological issues have less reserve to deal with chronic pain, and the flip side is those with chronic pain [lose] their psychological reserves” (Spine Journal).

According to a study conducted by John Hopkins University school of medicine, "musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders are now the number one cause of medical evacuations from Iraq and Afghanistan, not combat injuries," (Chiropractic News & Research).

Chiropractic Reduces Pain in Veterans of War

In a 2011 study, researchers looked at 171 veterans with back pain who served in the Iraq and Vietnam Wars. Of those who were treated with chiropractic care, over half had a significant reduction of symptoms while the average patient had a 37% reduction in pain.

In another study of 54 veteran patients who suffered from back pain, 43% had a significant reduction in neck pain after being treated with chiropractic care, while 67% had significant improvement in pain, cognitive behavioral symptoms and more.

We have solutions

Here at Davis Family Chiropractic, we remind our patients that pain is not a lifestyle. If you or someone you know is dealing with similar symptoms, please contact our office to set up an appointment. We feel strongly in helping you live your best, pain-free, natural life, and supporting your health needs.

Monday, November 12, 2012

I am filled with deep gratitude for our troops and all who have sacrificed at some point in their lifetime to serve our country. We are so blessed to have so many willing to lay their lives down for this great country. In fact, this sacrifice is one that makes our country great.

Please share which branch of the military that you or your loved one are in by posting a comment to this post. If there is anyone to pray for please let us know!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

At the close of my most recent post, 'Chiropractic Immunity Adjustments and 5
Other Tips For a Strong Immune System', I
referred to couple of questions that I am often asked, in relation to immunity. One of these questions is,

"What about antibacterial soaps,
and should I wipe down surfaces with antibacterial wipes?"

The study of antibacterial soaps and sanitizers have been widely scrutinized in the last decade. The findings on the effectiveness of these products may surprise you.

FDA Warnings

On April 8, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration acknowledged two key points relating to the use of antibacterial products and the long-term health effects. Here is what they stated:

1) The antibacterial chemical triclosan, is no more effective than regular soap and water at preventing infections.
2) There is concern over triclosan's potential long-term health effects due to the development of antibiotic resistance from product use over time.

Research

A 2004 research group from Columbia University and New York University found in their study, that the effects of antibacterial products did not reduce the risk of viral infectious diseases within a household of healthy individuals. A review given by the Oxford Journal: Clinical of Infectious Diseases, concluded these same results after reviewing data from twenty-seven studies dated from 1980-2006:

"Soaps containing triclosan within the range of concentrations commonly
used in the community setting (0.1%–0.45% wt/vol)
were no more effective than plain soap at
preventing infectious illness symptoms and reducing bacterial levels on
the hands."

As for the second point mentioned by the FDA, that there is a concern for the potential long-term health effects related to antibacterial product use and a development of antibiotic resistance due to such use, the Oxford Journal referred to this concern in their review, as well.

"Several laboratory studies demonstrated evidence of triclosan-adapted cross-resistance to antibiotics among different species
of bacteria."

The Oxford Journal concluded their findings with:

"The lack of an additional health benefit associated with the use of
triclosan-containing consumer soaps over regular soap,
coupled with laboratory data demonstrating a
potential risk of selecting for drug resistance, warrants further
evaluation
by governmental regulators regarding antibacterial
product claims and advertising. Further studies of this issue are
encouraged."

Hand Sanitizer and Children
Lastly, I feel it important to mention that in extreme cases, anti-bacterial sanitizers can be extremely harmful to children. There have been documented cases of children ingesting the liquid and becoming poisoned by the high-alcohol content within the product. Some sanitizers on the market carry at 65% alcohol content. Children are curious and can be especially curious if sanitizers smell like something they would like to taste. Read more on children and hand-sanitizers, here.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

It's that time of year when coughing, sneezing and the flu is swirling around us. Chiropractic can help boost your immunity this season!In 1918, the flu pandemic swept across the world infecting 100 million people and killing a high estimate of 50 million people. During this time, preventative measures, treatment and cures for the influenza were unknown. As the flu pandemic was spreading across the world, the practice of chiropractic was on the verge of extinction as the practice became the target of medical doctors with lenient slander laws. Because many chiropractors had such a decline in business during this time, chiropractors began doing house calls, adjusting anyone who had the flu. The outcome for those infected with the flu who were adjusted by a chiropractor were astounding, thus they were nicknamed, "Flu Doctors":

In Davenport, Iowa, 50 medical doctors treated 4,953 cases, with
274 deaths. In the same city, 150 chiropractors including students and
faculty of the Palmer School of Chiropractic treated 1,635 cases with
only one death.

In the state of Iowa, medical doctors treated 93,590 patients, with
6,116 deaths – a loss of one patient out of every 15. In the same state,
excluding Davenport, 4,735 patients were treated by chiropractors with a
loss of only 6 cases – a loss of one patient out of every 789.
National figures show that 1,142 chiropractors treated 46,394
patients for influenza during 1918, with a loss of 54 patients – one out
of every 886.

In the same epidemic, New York health authorities (who kept records
of flu as a reportable disease) showed that under chiropractic care,
only 25 patients died of influenza out of every 10,000 cases; and only
100 patients died of pneumonia out of every 10,000 cases. This
comparison is made more striking when viewed in the following table:Influenza
—————————————Cases Deaths
Under medical care 10,000 950
Under chiropractic care 10,000 25Pneumonia
—————————————Cases Deaths
Under medical care 10,000 6,400
Under chiropractic care 10,000 100

The same epidemic reports show that chiropractors in Oklahoma treated
3,490 cases of influenza with only 7 deaths. But the best part of this
is, in Oklahoma there is a clear record showing that chiropractors were
called in 233 cases where medical doctors had cared for the patients,
and finally gave them up as lost. The chiropractors saved all these lost
cases but 25.

The results that chiropractic care had on patients with influenza is not surprising, as research has shown that there is a direct interaction between the nervous system and the immune system when chiropractic care is administered. How chiropractic revs up the immune system:

Chiropractic adjustments ensure that the nerves from the brain down the spinal cord to the adrenal glands (which help manage the immune system) are not obstructed by vertebral subluxations which are misalignments in the spine that put pressure on the nerve system.

Chiropractic adjustments to the upper neck have shown an increase to the white blood cell count up to 200%, which helps the body's immune system to be strong.

Let us help you be well this season! If people around you are getting ill, or if you usually come down with illness yourself this time of year get ahead of things and schedule a chiropractic wellness check-up. Call (360) 823-2225 and ask for your wellness check-up today.Best in health, naturally,Dr. Marc

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

As a Pacific Northwesterner, I've lived through years of rain. In fact, if I've calculated correctly, I've spent a third of my life in the rain. Here are a handful of things I've learned during the rain-filled decade of life.

5 Ways To Embrace the Rain This Season:

1) Don't hate. Instead saying things like, "I hate this weather," and "I hate my life," when you wake to rain pounding on the rooftop, remember why you live here. For many of us, it's the exchange of rain for the greenest landscape around that has us sold. You may not be thrilled with the rain, but nixing the negative-talk will keep your mind happier. 2) Don't be afraid to get wet. Most of us flock indoors once the rain hits. With a little planning and the appropriate attire, you can still enjoy the outdoors, even when they're soggy. What if you had your tea on the patio like you use to during the summer? What if you planned to run your favorite trail even though you may come home splattered in mud? How bad is shopping in the city in wellies and an umbrella, really? You're still shopping, and that act alone can do wonders on a person's mood! Don't let the weather control you!3) Make a plan of action. Do you suffer from seasonal depression? Think of ways that you can break the blues beforehand. Plan to get out of the house and meet a friend in the city. Take a walk with your umbrella in a new neighborhood. Keep your blinds open during the day to let in more light and so you can soak in more vitamin D.4) Visit new places. Go to Slappy Cakes for breakfast or take the kids to the Children's Museum in Portland. Attend $3.00 bargain movie night at Camas' Liberty Theater, or schedule a night out with friends at a new restaurant. A regular change in scenery is sure to keep you stimulated and off the couch feeling sluggish.5) Take up a new hobby. Have you wanted to learn how to crochet, take up painting again, join a Crossfit gym or a bowling league? Do it! Having a project or an activity that excites you will help you through the rain. And before you know it, the sun will have returned and you'll be ready to head outdoors!

Friday, October 12, 2012

In 2005, the Census Bureau reported that Americans, on average, spent more than 100 hours commuting to work per year, with the average commute lasting 24.3 minutes. According to the American Community Survey (ACS), the longest commutes happening within the country, were most prominent on the East coast:

The cities fortunate to have a shorter commute time average were:

Corpus Christi, Texas (16.1 minutes)

Wichita, Kansas (16.3 minutes)

Tulsa, Oklahoma (17.1 minutes)

Omaha, Nebraska (17.3 minutes)

As a chiropractor, these amount of time spent commuting concerns me, and this doesn't account
for the time spent driving
to the grocery store, taking children to school, extracurricular activities,
vacations, etc. Many of the patients I see have problems stemming to how they sit in their vehicle as they commute, and many are who work from their vehicle. Here's a list of tips to help keep you comfortable and healthy during those accumulated hours spent in your vehicle.

5 Tips to Keep Your Spine Aligned While Driving

1) Seat position matters. Position your seat so you can reach the pedals and steering wheel with ease. Your back should not come away from the seat as you reach for the peddles are make other driving movements. Lumbar support may be necessary if your car lacks sufficient lumbar support.2) Adjust your headrest. Your headrest should center the back of your head. 3) Rest your hands properly. The days of 10 and 2 are gone. 9 and 3 is key! By placing your hands in the 9 and 3 position your shoulders are able to relax. Be mindful to not rest your wrists at 12 o'clock or clench the steering wheel. These movements can cause numbness. Also, be mindful of how you reach for the stick-shift. Adjusting seat placement and/or back position to meet comfort levels is necessary.4) Smart Phone Neck. Americans are enthralled with smart phones. Consider the amount of time you spend looking at your phone and for how you tilt your head down as you read your email, messages etc. Over time, tilting the head in a downward position can strain the ligaments in the neck.5) Working in vehicle. There is a large amount of the workforce that works from their vehicle--ie. plumbers, police officers, service technicians, etc. When possible, take your work indoors--inside a coffee shop, the office or to the park, to free your back from the twists and turns that working inside a vehicle requires.As an expert in ergonomics, I am happy to check patients sitting in their car. Call to set up your time for me to do a quick seat/position check.Unofficial Pole: How long are you in your vehicle on an average day. For me it's 35 minutes.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

By far, the best part of my job is seeing patients so thankful because of how much better they are feeling as a result of natural chiropractic care. Here's one success story that shares how the body heals with chiropractic.

Simply put, when I first came in 6 weeks ago, I was very concerned about receiving an adjustment. The amount of pain I was experiencing in my lower back was the worst ever. Tying my shoes and walking even short distances was a great challenge. I knew I had to do something, anything to get some relief. All I can say now is...thank God for Dr. Marc and his knowledge on what to do. Today, 12 visits later, I am completely back to the job I was doing before my accident, 95% pain free and still improving. I look forward to continued improvements through exercise, nutrition, and routine visits to Dr. Marc. I give my full endorsement to Dr. Marc and his staff. -Dale B.

Thank you, Dale, for your powerful testimony of chiropractic and how it has changed your painful circumstances into a positive road to recovery. Chiropractic works!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

We're on Facebook! Follow our tips on healthy living through our page!

One of my primary focuses as a chiropractor, is preventing
health problems before the onset of symptoms. During appointments
with patients, examining the spine for postural misalignments, is
routine. Such misalignments, also known as vertebral subluxation, may
lead to a wide range of ailments, such as back pain, carpal tunnel
syndrome and headaches. Studies have also suggested that vertebral
subluxations may be related to ear infections, Parkinson's disease, high
blood pressure, colic and other maladies. In our office, I also emphasizes
the power of prevention with my patients by teaching monthly wellness courses
and educating patients about vertebral subluxation and how to treat them
through chiropractic adjustments, as well as teaching about nutrition,
stress reduction and exercise, as a means of preventative measures.

When it comes to rest, your mattress can have a large impact on the quality of your sleep. If you suffer from disturbed sleep due to shoulder pain, low back pain or spine stiffness, here are a couple of studies to consider:

A 2002 study of 22 individuals between the ages of 25-75 took a look at individuals who had been dealing with ongoing disturbed sleep due to chronic pain of the shoulder, back or spine. With the implementation of prescribed bedding reduced back pain by 57%, shoulder pain 61% and back stiffness 59%. The subjects quality of sleep improving by 61%. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2002;25:88-92.)A 2003 study researched mattress firmness and how subjects with back pain responded to either a firm or medium-firm mattress. The study was conducted according to the European Committee for Standardization which places mattresses and their firmness on a scale beginning at 1.0, the firmest and ending at 10.0 the softest. The study then took 313 adults who dealt with regular backache and/or stiffness while lying in bed and upon rising, and randomly assigned them to either a firm or medium-firm mattress for 90 days. The study found that 95% of the subjects who used medium-firm mattresses had less pain in bed and upon rising than the patients who used a firm mattress. (Lancet 2003; 362:1599-604.)Choosing a Mattress

There are many options for mattresses on the market. Let's take a look at a handful of them:

Adjustable Beds

These mattresses make a couple happy, as each sleeper can adjust the head and foot portions of the mattress. This is definitely a selling point for someone whose spouse has a particular spinal issue. However, be aware that sleeping with the spine on an angle can instigate vertebral subluxations.

Airbeds

Instead of being filled with springs or foam, the bed is filled with, you guessed it--air! An airbed allows the consumer to adjust the firmness of the mattress. This is the kind of mattress that I have and love.Tempur-Pedic MattressesThese mattresses are based on the material that was created for NASA's Ames Research Center in the 1970's to protect astronauts from gravitational forces experienced during lift-off. The mattress' best selling points are it is made of open-celled, temperature sensitive and breathable material, which allows for body weight to be evenly distributed over the entire surface area.

If you are shopping for a new mattress, or will be in the near future, look at all of your options and don't be afraid to tell the sales associate your questions and concerns. Your mattress and its quality effect both your sleep and your body!

Also, on occasion, local mattress stores offer patients of Davis Family Chiropractic discounts. Inquire within our office to see about the latest offers.Best in health, naturally,Dr. Marc

Monday, September 24, 2012

Each year, I remind my patients to be mindful of the load they or their child is carrying on their back. Backpack safety has grown to such a level of concern that school districts, hospitals and experts are warning against the potential hazards that can come when carrying too much weight on one's back.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 6,512 emergency
room visits each year result from injuries related to book bags, while backpack-related injuries are up 256
percent since 1996.

Last year, backpacksafety.com conducted an online survey of more than 200 chiropractors, and this is what was found:

89 percent of chiropractors surveyed responded that they have seen
patients (ages 5-18) reporting back, neck or shoulder pain caused by
heavy backpacks.

71 percent of chiropractors presently seeing such
patients responded that they are currently seeing one to four patients
(ages 5-18) reporting back, neck or shoulder pain caused by heavy
backpacks.

20 percent of chiropractors presently seeing such patients
responded that they are currently seeing five to nine patients (ages
5-18) reporting back, neck or shoulder pain caused by heavy backpacks.

9
percent of chiropractors presently seeing such patients responded that
they are currently seeing 10 or more patients (ages 5-18) due to back,
neck or shoulder caused by heavy backpacks.

The implications of heavy backpacks are real, and are taking a toll.

Dr. Davis' Tips For Backpack Safety (according to the American Chiropractic Association):

Make
sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 10% of their body
weight. This will prevent you or your child from slouching forward while
carrying their backpack.

Backpacks should be worn over both shoulders.

Backpacks should be adjustable, positioned square on the back, close to the body, with the bulk of the weight at the waist.

Minimize what is carried in the backpack.

Backpacks should have wide shoulder straps to help carry weight effectively.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

A patient brought this into our office this week. Her grandson had created this piece and she knew we had to have it. Nothing brings a smile like a child appreciating chiropractic care and what it can do for others!

Monday, September 10, 2012

By far the best part of my job is seeing patients so thankful because of how much better they are feeling as a result of natural chiropractic care. Here's one success story that shares how the body heals with chiropractic.

I had an auto accident in June of 2011. I was broadsided on the driver's side of my body, particularly my upper back and left shoulder. Due to chiropractic treatment, much of the pain is gone, but I will need ongoing chiropractic treatment due to lingering pain. My spine and left shoulder get out of alignment easily. While I needed a can initially, I walk well without a cane. I still have a great fear of driving, but the chiropractor can't fix that. -Dixie Caris March 2012

I am thrilled with Dixie's progress. Simply put, chiropractic works.

Best in health, naturally,
Dr. Marc

Do you have a success story that you would like me to share?
Please email me at drmarc@davisfamilychiro.com

Friday, August 31, 2012

Whew! We've made it to our last day of the 31 Days of Summer Series! It has been a long, fun run, and we hope you've gathered some great activities and recipes to do and share with your family. We also hope this summer has been good to you, and refreshing in the same.

To end this series, here's a fun fact:

Yesterday, August 30, 2012, Thailand, known as the massage capital of the world, claimed a Guinness World Record. They did so, with 641 massage therapists massaging 641 people simultaneously for 12 minutes at an indoor facility in Bangkok.

I just heard a collective sigh through the interwebs.

Because you have been great readers, clients and referrers to Davis Family Chiropractic, Dr. Marc wants to give you an hour to unwind and relax:

Earlier this summer, I made a list of things I wanted to do this summer. Some were tradition like berry picking, making jam and growing a garden, while others were new and adventurous ideas like go rock climbing and attend a hot air balloon festival. As the days have flown by, and the weather begins to turn, I'm scrambling to do a few last things before the chance is lost.

Such things on that list are camping, river rock jumping (mini-river rock jumping--which is a brave act for me), visit a flower farm, and sadly, many more that I haven't yet found the time to do. Do you still have a small list of things you want to do before the leaves turn and the rain begins to fall?

We all know how busy life becomes when the school year begins. Multiply that for each child you have, and compound it with sports and other extra-curricular activities. Time is of the essence!

Starting your day off with a healthy breakfast fuels your mind and gives proper nutrients to your body to sustain energy levels. Why not try overnight oats? Throw them together in the evening--in a jar, Tupperware, a mug, put them into the refrigerator and let the ingredients seep into delicious goodness overnight. The perfect no-hassle, healthy breakfast. High in fiber, protein and calcium and low in fat and sugar, too.

The blog, Kath Eats Real Food, has a long list of combinations for delicious overnight oats. For starters, here's her basic recipe.

Basic KERF Recipe

Kath Eats Real Food

1/3 cup rolled oats

1/3 – 1/2 cup milk [depending on how thick you like it]

1/3 cup plain yogurt

1/2 banana

1/2 tbsp chia seeds--a great source of Omega-3's

Pinch salt

Pinch cinnamon

Directions

Stir everything together in a bowl. Place in fridge overnight. In the morning top with something crunchy and something with healthy fats – like nut butter or nuts.

Monday, August 27, 2012

For the third year, Davis Family Chiropractic is excited to help school-age children in the

community with their school supply needs.

This year, one in two children are in need due to financial hardship of their family.

In effort to help support this cause, Davis Family Chiropractic is offering a free first visit, including any necessary x-rays to those who bring in listed supplies or refer a friend, family member or co-worker to the office.

All supplies will be donated to schools within the community.

Thank you to those who have seen the campaign in the office and who helped with Color a Child's World. Your gift helps tremendously.

Here's an idea that will take you back to elementary school. Stamping with fruits and veggies isn't a new idea, but it's one that for most, has long been forgotten! You can create wrapping paper, add stamping to bags and scarves (like the link shows) and everything in between.

Friday, August 24, 2012

There's something incredibly freeing about taking a road trip. Maybe it's the long hours that lead to deeper conversation, or the hours of music playing in the background that rejuvinates the spirit. Of course, the adventure that awaits the destination is reason enough to hop in the car and drive, but the journey travelling usually lends many memories.

1. Allow each road tripper to call a stop! If someone sees something or somewhere they want to visit or photograph, let them! Happy individuals makes a happy car, and it let's each person help create a portion of the trip and memories.

2. Have scheduled stops for gas and meals. Eliminating guess-work ahead of time will create smoother travels and less-anxious travelers. Plus, each stopping point will feel like an accomplishment.

3. Allow each road tripper to contribute to the music collection! Whatever it may be--80's 90's, childrens tunes or country. A little bit to fill each person's likings goes a long way on a road trip.

4. Wear comfy clothing and bring whatever it'll take to help you get comfortable for the long ride ahead. A neck support pillow (as Dr. Marc recommends) as well as a blanket and pillow for naps, will make the ride and sleeping more comfortable.

5. Make sure to bring adequate amounts of water and healthy snacks. People often want to limit fluid intake on trips, but staying hydrated and eating healthy snacks will keep you feeling your best.

So, how's Labor Day Weekend looking for you? You going to hit the road?

Health Disclaimer

This information on this web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting Dr. Marc, your pediatrician or family doctor.